Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was Rugby League Northland. Since the beginning of the competition in 2010 the Northern Swords have progressively improved. 2012 showed improvement with some of the following achievements:
1.None of the squads used more than 25 players
2.Three main premier players made the step-up from 2012 17s squad – Ricky Toby, Jaden Hape, Tyson Wihongi
3.We equalled the record of 2011’s two wins, however no dispensations used for 15s – 17s 2012, namely, 15s victory over Mid Central and the 17s victory over Waicoa Bays (17’s first victory!)

However, the Premiers struggled and we have yet to win at Premier Grade. Rugby League Northland is trying to address this issue and as a part of our “Whole of Sport” plan we are working on creating a High Performance Strategy for Northland 2013 – 2015 (with a reassessment in 2015).

Rugby League Northland is seeking applications from people wanting to coach our Swords 13s. Tournament Plans have yet to be finalised with two options on the table. The first one is an Inter District Tournament in Palmerston North with the other being an invitational tournament hosted by Waikato JRL in Hamilton.

All applications need to emailed to RLN General Manager, Alex Smits- alex.smits@nzrl.co.nz including a covering letter with a coaching /managing profile and history by May 31st 2013.

The 13s will have a trial on July 7th as a part of the RLN – NZRL Performance Camp.

The 2013 Swords Campaign is not too far away. RLN is working in Partnership with BLK and NZRL to come up with our kit design, AND you have a chance to help decide what this will look like! See four attached options. There are three new options and the fourth option keeps the design the same as in 2012.

Email rln@nzrl.co.nz by Friday 17th of May with your choice and be in the draw to win a 2012 edition jersey.